Titans defensive end Ropati Pitoitua (92) makes his way to the next drill. Pitoitua was signed in the offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Written by

John Glennon
Gannett Tennessee

For two straight years, the Titans set their sights on playing better defense against the run. For two straight years, they failed to do so, finishing 24th in the NFL on both occasions.

The Titans hope an offseason build-up of bulk will finally help solve the problem. They added mass in the middle with 6-foot-4, 329-pound Sammie Hill and 6-3, 310-pound Antonio Johnson, and also beefed up the ends with 6-3, 315-pound Ropati Pitoitua and 6-4, 277-pound Lavar Edwards, a draft pick.

In addition to helping stop the run, the Titans want their defensive tackles to create push more up the middle, which ...